Facebook Is Changing Its Face, Again

A few years ago, no one knew what Facebook was. Today it's one of the most trafficked sites on the Web. And in its few short years of existence, it's amassed quite a rich history and has become infamous for privacy issues.

This week Facebook announced a new application called "Open Graph," which integrates Facebook into popular websites like cnn.com, time.com, nytimes.com, and others to track user preferences. Below, is a timeline of the privacy issues associated with Facebook:

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2003: Facebook launched as Facemash by Mark Zuckerberg at Harvard. Privacy implication:Zuckerberg is charged with privacy breach by Harvard U because he pulled student data without proper authority.

2006: News Feed and Mini Feed created to track Facebook activity. Privacy Implication: Users are upset that their activity is being monitored, tracked and reported. Facebook Reaction: Privacy policy adapted to allow members to opt out of having their activity, entirely or partially, published in feeds.

2007: Beacon is created as a part of Facebook's advertisement system, sending data from external websites to Facebook. Privacy Implication: Information such as purchases made and games played, even when not logged into Facebook, are provided to Facebook allowing for targeted advertisements. Facebook Reaction: Beacon is changed to allow users to opt out. In 2009 it was shut down entirely.

2008: Change in Facebook's Terms of Use and the clause detailing automatic expiry of deleted content is removed. Privacy Implication:Facebook retains information about users even after specific entries, photos, or even an entire profile is deleted. Facebook Reaction:Facebook defends and retains the policy.

2010: Facebook introduces Open Graph to allow it to be integrated into popular websites with plug-ins that allow for social commentary (ones with icons such as "like" and "recommend"). The claimed intent is to have users enjoy personalized content on any site on the net. Privacy Implication: Web activity will be tracked amongst Facebook's partner sites and will be collected and used by Facebook, the partners, and potentially others. Facebook Reaction: Facebook stands by its new feature.

Bottom line: Be aware of your privacy options as things are about to get a lot more public. You have the ability to opt out of Open Graph if you'd like either through your Facebook settings (Account → Privacy Settings → Applications and Websites → Instant Personalization → Uncheck Allow) or by choosing "no thanks" when you first visit a partner site on the Facebook bar.

What do you think of what Facebook is doing now? Are you for or against Open Graph?